Peacekeepers

Admired around the world, these soldiers learn from their numerous engagements and are a powerful defensive force.

India was a founding member of the United Nations in 1945, and it was also one of the first countries to call on international mediation support in an armed conflict. During the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947–1948, in which the sovereignty of Kashmir was being disputed, the parties involved in the conflict called on the help of international mediators to draft the terms of a ceasefire. During the 1950s and until Nehru’s death, India followed a diplomatic approach that endorsed emancipation and peaceful coexistence between nations. After this period, beginning in 1956, it began to send contingents of peacekeeping troops to Palestine and the Sinai and continues to have an active part in peacekeeping missions organized by the UN. Since then, more than 85,000 soldiers—including many women—have taken part in over forty peacekeeping missions under international mandate.